Wildlife Service - FAQ
FAQ Trip Specific Questions
- Where does my trip start?
- What happens in a typical day?
- What is an Alpaca?
- Where will we be hiking?
- What's the weather like in southern Colorado?
- What if I've never been rafting before?
- What community service projects will I do?
- Where will we sleep?
Where does my trip start?
Colorado Service begins at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado. You'll meet your Moondance instructors at the Denver airport baggage claim and be introduced to the rest of the group before heading out to your first campsite!
What happens in a typical day?
There is no typical day on a Moondance adventure! You may be caring for wolves one day, exploring the sand dunes the next, or whitewater rafting the Arkansas River. Either way, each day will be filled with a new adventurous activity. After a day of community service, learning how to whitewater raft, or hiking along a new trail in the area, your group will find a beautiful site to set up camp for the evening and enjoy a warm meal with a hot drink. No matter what adventure you choose, each night ends with 'moonup;' a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.
What is an Alpaca?
As a member of the camel family, alpacas resemble a small llama and can typically be found grazing at high elevations in South America. The fleece of an alpaca is very similar to sheep’s wool in that it is commonly used for knitting and weaving. Many textile products from South America come from alpaca fleece.
Where will we be hiking?
You'll do some hiking in the beautiful Great Sand Dunes National Park which has the largest sand dunes in North America. We will have the chance to see High Dune, rising 650 feet high, as well as the largest dune in the park, Star Dune, towering 750 feet high. You'll also have the opportunity to climb a Colorado 14-er, a 14,000 peak! No experience necessary and we promise you it'll be a hike and a sight to remember!
What's the weather like in southern Colorado?
As with any mountain environment, weather can change dramatically throughout the day, and as you gain elevation on your backpacking section, you will be able to feel the change in temperature in the evenings. You can expect to encounter temperatures between 60-75°F during the day and temperatures around 45°F at night. In addition to temperature changes, it is also quite common for storms to roll in during the afternoon. These storms tend to be brief, but nonetheless, don’t forget your rain jacket! Colorado’s air is generally dry, but be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen -- days will be warm, and with altitude, the sun has a stronger effect on us.
What if I've never been rafting before?
No experience required! You and your friends will learn basic paddling strokes from professional rafting guides as you navigate the mighty Arkansas River. To ensure the safest possible experience, everyone is required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (or PFD) at all times while on the water.
What community service projects will I do?
The Wildlife Service trip provides you with opportunities to serve communities in need in your very own country. You'll have a change to give back and experience parts of life that are unlike what you see everyday back home. First of all, you'll be working on a real Colorado ranch where you'll help feed and care for the alpacas. These beautiful animals need love and care and you'll be there to do so. You'll also be working on Colorado trails that have been enjoyed for many years. The trails need constant maintenance so you'll help to repair ridges, clear rocks, and overall make the trail more enjoyable for more time to come. You'll also work at a wonderful organization called Mission Wolf. Here you'll help create a more safe and natural habitat for wolves, a beautiful species that is quickly becoming endangered.
Where will we sleep?
During the Wildlife Service adventure, expect some gorgeous nights sleeping under the stars. You'll be lured to sleep one night by the rushing sounds of the river during your river rafting section. You'll sleep out on the trail during your community service with the Trail Alliance Association, you'll camp out in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and you'll have a few nights sleeping under the stars at both the ranch and Mission Wolf!
See also
- Trip Finder
- Program Chart
- Get Your Gear
- Service Adventures - Other trips
